Description

Project Manager for the Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-2 Next Generation Projects in the Copernicus Space Segment Programme of the Earth Observation Projects Department, Directorate of Earth Observation Programmes.

The Sentinel-2 mission comprises four satellites, of which the first and second spacecraft were launched in 2015 and 2017, respectively, and are in operations, while the third and fourth units, currently in storage, are expected to be launched in Q3 2024, and the second half of the decade, respectively. 

As part of the global effort to develop next-generation missions beyond those already operational, the Sentinel-2 Next Generation mission aims to replace the Sentinel-2 C&D satellites providing continuity beyond 2030 and introducing several enhancements. The project is currently in Phase A/B1.

If selected for this position, you will report to the Copernicus Space Segment Programme Manager, within the Earth Observation Programmes Department. You will be responsible for managing the Copernicus Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-2 Next Generation Projects, including Phase A/B1, and the protoflight and the recurrent satellite implementation (Phases B2/C/D/E1).

Duties

Your specific responsibilities and duties will include:

• Responsibility for the end-to-end procurement and technical management of the Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-2 Next Generation Projects within the agreed technical specification, cost and schedule;
• Management of the industrial contract(s) related to your area of responsibility, and interfacing with industry for all project matters;
• Representation of the projects, and associated reporting, in front of ESA technical authorities (e.g. Inspector General, audit, frequency coordination, Security Office and Clean Space Office), Mission Advisory Group, and ESA Delegate Bodies (DOSTAG);
• Management of the Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-2 Next Generation ESA Project Teams and associated support from the Directorates of Earth Observation Programmes; Technology, Engineering and Quality, Operations; Commercialisation, Industry and Procurement; and Operations, ensuring that all appropriate information is available to all Project participants such that they can discharge their responsibilities efficiently within the agreed framework.

You will also be responsible for identifying, assessing, managing and reporting the health and safety risks in your area of responsibility.

Technical competencies

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

Education

A master’s in a scientific/engineering discipline is required for this post.

Additional requirements

Candidates should also have:

• proven experience of leading, motivating and developing a team in a project;
• the ability to provide strategic direction to the individuals and teams within the Project and to relate team objectives to the overall, evolving organisational goals and context;
• the ability to drive performance and foster cooperation within and across teams throughout the organisation;
• demonstrated excellent leadership, relationship management and communication skills, both oral and written;
• excellent cognitive, analytical, delegation, planning and organisational skills;
• the ability to anticipate problems, solve complex issues and relate situations to their context;
• the ability to reach solution-oriented, pragmatic and timely decisions of a high standard and with integrity as well as to support others (team members, upper management and other stakeholders) in this process.

People management experience is an asset, as is international experience, i.e. outside your home country, as well as experience in diverse functional areas relevant to ESA activities.